I admit that allergies can brutal and that some years are worse for allergy-sufferers than others. I am thankful that spring pollen is generally not troublesome for me - and when it is, Claritin works great. That leaves me free to walk through the desert, immersing myself in the artistry of the desert wildflowers.
One thing the desert has plenty of is cactus. It has taken me decades to appreciate their beauty despite their beastly appearance. In times of less water, their shrunken appearance accentuates the sharpness of their spines (aka needles or thorns). Some desert plants, like yuccas, agave and ocotillo, are often mistaken for cactus but are not. True cactus has spines instead of leaves, has a protective wax-like skin to keep moisture from evaporating, and its skin is green to promote photosynthesis since it has no leaves. Different species bloom at different times so the desert is colorful from March through July.
The only cactus here is beaver tail in the lower left corner. The top two are soaptree yucca and the bottom right is an ocotillo.
Warmer temperatures and a little rain makes the desert blossom in color. Sometimes you have to look carefully as the plants are small and very close to the ground. Others carpet the desert floor in a sea of color.
Flowers of every color adorn the desert!
I think the desert Southwest is beautiful all the time but its beauty is more delicate, more intricate and more fragrant in the springtime. As I walk along the paths I am reminded of the words of the psalmist in Psalm 111:2-4 - "Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate."
No comments:
Post a Comment